Quincy Jones, the iconic musician and producer renowned for his groundbreaking work with artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has passed away at the age of 91. Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that he “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, California.
In a heartfelt statement, Jones’ family shared their sorrow, saying, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Throughout his illustrious career, which spanned more than 75 years, Jones became a titan in the music industry, earning 28 Grammy Awards and solidifying his status as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, according to Time magazine. His groundbreaking work shaped the sound of modern music and left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Jones is perhaps best known as the mastermind behind Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller album, which remains the best-selling album of all time. His collaboration with Jackson began when they worked together on the film The Wiz, where Jones discovered the immense talent of the 19-year-old singer. This partnership led to the production of Jackson’s critically acclaimed albums, including Off the Wall, which sold over 20 million copies, as well as the record-breaking Thriller and Bad.
In addition to his work with Jackson, Jones made significant contributions to the music industry through his collaborations with various legendary artists. Early in his career, he worked closely with Frank Sinatra, reimagining Sinatra’s classic Fly Me To The Moon, transforming it from a waltz into a swinging jazz standard. This marked the beginning of a series of high-profile collaborations that showcased Jones’ unique ability to blend genres and create timeless music.
In 1985, Jones orchestrated one of the most ambitious charity projects in music history by gathering 46 of America’s top singers, including Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper, to record We Are the World. Co-written by Jones and Michael Jackson, the song aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, similar to the British charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas? The record topped the charts in both the UK and the US and was performed at the historic Live Aid concert, further solidifying Jones’ status as a humanitarian and musical innovator.
Beyond his work in the recording studio, Jones composed soundtracks for over 50 films and television shows, including the 1969 British classic The Italian Job. He also produced the acclaimed film The Color Purple, which introduced audiences to the talents of Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg, both of whom would go on to have illustrious careers in the entertainment industry.
On television, Jones was a pioneer, serving as one of the producers behind the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which launched the career of Will Smith and became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s.
Jones’ achievements were not limited to music alone. He was a recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Legend Award in 1992. His contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, and an Academy Award for Best Original Score, making him a true EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
In his personal life, Jones was married three times and fathered seven children, including music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, known for her role in the US version of The Office. His family reflected on his legacy, stating, “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity. He was truly one of a kind.”
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Playwright Jeremy O’Harris took to social media to honor Jones, noting his “limitless contributions to American culture” and highlighting the significance of his achievements, including being the first Black person nominated for an Oscar for Best Score.
Rapper LL Cool J, who has a close connection to Jones through his daughter Kidada Jones, expressed his gratitude on Instagram, calling Jones a “father and example” during a time when he needed guidance. “Mentor. Role model. King. You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you,” he wrote.
Singer Darius Rucker echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the loss of “one of the all-time greats,” while British DJ Tony Blackburn praised Jones as a “musical genius.” The outpouring of love and respect from artists, producers, and fans alike underscores the profound impact Jones had on the world of music and beyond.
Quincy Jones’ legacy will endure through the countless artists he inspired and the timeless music he created. His innovative spirit and dedication to the craft of music will continue to resonate with future generations, ensuring that his influence on the industry remains as vibrant as ever. As the world mourns the loss of this legendary figure, it also celebrates the extraordinary life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the fabric of music history.